Atlantic City Electric proposes expanded set of EV programs, services

Atlantic City Electric on Tuesday proposed new programs and services that are expected to expand access to clean electric transportation options across South Jersey.

The company outlined its plans to support a cleaner future of electric vehicle charging infrastructure; offer rebates and special rates for residents and businesses; and help electrify public transportation.

Atlantic City Electric wants to own and maintain 245 public electric vehicle chargers across southern New Jersey and provide incentives for additional third-party-owned charging stations.

The company also wants to provide $2 million in grants for electric vehicle efforts in South Jersey, including projects to displace the use of diesel in low-income or environmental justice communities; to launch a pilot project for electric school buses, and to work with New Jersey Transit to build infrastructure to support electrification of one of southern New Jersey’s bus depots.

It also wants to offer 50 percent rebates on electric vehicle charging equipment for homes, multifamily buildings, workplaces and business vehicle fleets. Additionally, Atlantic City Electric wants to provide residential customers with special electricity rates that encourages them to charge vehicles during off-peak hours.

“Atlantic City Electric’s new filing is appropriate, necessary and timely given multiple state goals,” said Pamela Frank, chief executive officer of ChargEVC, a coalition promoting electric vehicle use. “Simply stated, without utility involvement in developing charging infrastructure, we have no chance of meeting our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and EV goals. This is a lesson we learn from states with leading EV markets. It will take both utility and private sector involvement for New Jersey to make good on its goals. The charging infrastructure proposed in this filing is an important step in getting more EVs on our roads.”

Atlantic City Electric’s expanded proposal will support broader electrification of the transportation sector, helping advance the growing EV industry and supporting New Jersey in its goals of putting 330,000 EVs on the road by 2025, and reducing GHG emissions to 80 percent below 2006 levels by 2050.

Similar to other energy services and investments Atlantic City Electric makes in the local energy grid, these new services will be paid for through delivery charges on customer bills.

It is expected to cost approximately $42.1 million, or about 54 cents on the monthly bill for the typical Atlantic City Electric residential customer using 679 kWh per month. Investing in EV programs and services now will help New Jersey prepare for the economic opportunities connected to the emerging EV market.

If approved by the state’s Board of Public Utilities, the new programs and services are expected to become available over the course of the next year following the decision.

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